Patterns of Use and Patient-Reported Effects of Cannabinoids in People With PD: A Nationwide Survey

Posted on June 5, 2025 by David

“Background: People with Parkinson’s disease (PD) may use cannabis-based products for symptom management. In France, products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are prohibited, while cannabidiol (CBD)-products are readily available. However, data on cannabinoid use in French people with PD are lacking.

Objectives: To identify correlates of the use of cannabis-based products and to document their patterns of use and perceived effects. Methods: A French nationwide online survey was conducted from May to July 2023. Regression analyses helped identify factors associated with current cannabis and CBD use (regardless of their form). Patterns of use and self-reported effects were also documented.

Results: The study sample comprised 1136 participants, with a median age of 68 years. Six percent (5.9%) and 17.9% reported using cannabis and CBD, respectively. Both substances were associated with better knowledge of cannabinoids and a poor self-perceived household economic situation. The most common routes of cannabis administration were oral ingestion (44.8%) and smoking (41.4%); for CBD, they were oral ingestion (82.8%) and smoking (6.4%). Users reported that cannabis and CBD were very effective for sleep disorders, pain, and rigidity/cramps. The satisfaction level for both substances was also high.

Conclusion: Cannabis and CBD use among people with PD was associated with better knowledge about cannabinoids and a poor self-perceived household economic situation. Furthermore, users reported high levels of satisfaction for both substances. An enhanced communication with healthcare providers and facilitated access to safe cannabis/CBD products are needed in France to enable people with PD to maximize the benefits of cannabinoids when clinically appropriate.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40470397/

“Users commonly reported improvements in sleep disorders, pain, and rigidity/cramps. An enhanced communication with healthcare providers and facilitated access to safe products are needed in France so that people with PD can maximize the benefits of cannabinoids when clinically appropriate.”

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/padi/2979089

Chemical Profiling of Polyphenolic Fraction of Cannabis sativa L. vr. Kompolti Industrial Inflorescences: Insights into Cannabidiol Neuroprotective Effects in a Cellular Model of Parkinson’s Disease

Posted on May 28, 2025 by David

“The ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-HR-MS/MS) technique was used to characterize the polyphenolic fraction of the hot water infusion (WI) of inflorescences of Cannabis sativa L. Kompolti variety, commercially used for food preparations or cosmetic purposes.

On water infusion extract, we applied a multidisciplinary approach, where NMR, MS, in vitro cell-free and cell-based assays coupled with in silico studies, were used to rationalize at the molecular level the effects of the major component Cannabidiol (CBD), in a model of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The phytochemical analysis by LC-MS/MS led to the tentative identification of many components belonging to different classes of polyphenols, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and their glycosides. CBD and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) were also detected in good amounts in the infusion, together with several minor cannabinoids. In addition, the water infusion WI was evaluated for mineral content, total phenolic content, flavonoid content, and antioxidant capacity by DPPH and FRAP methods.

Notably, our results in a cellular model of PD highlight that CBD protects against rotenone-induced cell death without recovering neuronal morphology. These biological outcomes were rationalized by an in silico approach, where we hypothesize that CBD could influence the cellular response to oxidative stress via its interaction with the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway.

In summary, these results enriched the nutraceutical profile of the water infusion of the inflorescences of the Kompolti cultivar, which demonstrated a high CBD content.

This study could lead to the development of dietary supplements that could help in the management of clinical symptoms related to the antioxidant activity of CBD in the pathophysiology of PD, which remains poorly characterized.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40431038/

“In summary, this multidisciplinary approach has provided further insight into the human health properties of C. sativa L. Kompolti infusions. When consumed as a beverage as part of a normal diet, the phytoconstituents could provide health benefits through their antioxidant activity in various diseases and would be promising for protection against environmental stresses that contribute to inflammatory processes, cancer, and other degenerative diseases.”

https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/14/10/1473

Preventive beneficial effects of cannabidiol in a reserpine-induced progressive model of parkinsonism

Posted on May 23, 2025 by David

“Introduction: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms such as tremors, difficulty in initiating movements, depression, and cognitive deficits. The pathophysiology of PD involves a gradual decrease in dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, increased inflammatory parameters, and augmented oxidative stress in this region. Several new therapies aim to promote antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, including the use of cannabinoids, particularly cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is a non-psychotomimetic component of Cannabis sativa that acts broadly through several mechanisms.

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the potential protective effect of CBD in mice subjected to a low-dose (0.1 mg/kg) repeated reserpine protocol, which encompasses behavioral and neuronal alterations compatible with the progressiveness of PD alterations.

Materials and methods: We used two approaches: (1) concurrent administration during the development of parkinsonism and (2) pre-administration to explore a possible preventive action. The effect of CBD (0.5 mg/kg) on reserpine-induced alterations was investigated on behavioral (catalepsy and vacuous chewing movements) and neuronal (immunolabeling for tyrosine hydroxylase – TH) parameters.

Results: Overall, groups that were treated with CBD and reserpine presented motor alterations later during the protocol compared to the groups that received only reserpine (except for vacuous chewing evaluation in the concomitant treatment). Additionally, CBD attenuated reserpine-induced catalepsy (preventive treatment) and prevented the decrease in TH labeling in the substantia nigra pars compacta in both concurrent and preventive protocols.

Conclusion: Based on these data, we observed a beneficial effect of CBD in motor and neuronal alterations reserpine-induced progressive parkinsonism, particularly after preventive treatment.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40406493/

“The data presented here demonstrate that CBD can attenuate the development of reserpine-induced parkinsonism and protect the loss of dopaminergic neuron in the substantia nigra, with better outcomes in the preventive protocol. The overall effect of CBD is to delay the onset of motor deficits, rather than preventing them entirely. More studies are necessary to understand how CBD exhibits this neuroprotective effect.”

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1539783/full

Efficacy of a Neuroimmune Therapy Including Pineal Methoxyindoles, Angiotensin 1-7, and Endocannabinoids in Cancer, Autoimmune, and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Posted on May 8, 2025 by David

“Purpose: Recent advancements in psycho-neuro-endocrine-immunology indicate that numerous noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) originate from disruptions in the cytokine immune network, resulting in chronic inflammatory responses. This persistent low-degree inflammation is attributed to deficiencies in crucial endogenous anti-inflammatory neuroendocrine systems, including the pineal gland, the endocannabinoid system, and the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 / angiotensin 1-7 axis.

The administration of pineal methoxyindoles (melatonin, 5-methoxytryptamine), cannabinoids, and angiotensin 1-7 may entail potential therapeutic benefits for NCDs, particularly for patients who do not respond to conventional treatments.

Patients and methods: This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of a neuroimmune regimen comprising melatonin (100 mg/day at night), 5-methoxytryptamine (30 mg in the early afternoon), angiotensin 1-7 (0.5 mg twice daily), and cannabidiol (20 mg twice daily) in 306 patients with NCDs, including advanced cancer, autoimmune diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, depression, and cardiovascular disease.

Results: The neuroimmune regimen successfully halted cancer progression in 68% of cancer patients, who also reported improvements in mood, sleep, and relief from anxiety, pain, and fatigue. In patients with autoimmune diseases, the treatment effectively controlled the disease process, remarkable in cases of multiple sclerosis. Additionally, positive outcomes were observed in patients with Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and depression.

Conclusion: Randomized controlled trials are required to assess this therapeutic approach for NCDs that includes endogenous neuroendocrine molecules regulating immune responses in an anti-inflammatory manner.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40330271/

“This study highlights the potential of leveraging endogenous molecules to treat NCDs by modulating cell proliferation, inflammation, immune responses, metabolism, and neurological functions. The findings suggest that a neuroimmune regimen incorporating melatonin, angiotensin 1–7, and other bioactive compounds could offer a low-cost, minimally toxic therapeutic approach.”

https://www.dovepress.com/efficacy-of-a-neuroimmune-therapy-including-pineal-methoxyindoles-angi-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-CIA

Emerging nano-derived therapy for the treatment of dementia: a comprehensive review

Posted on April 25, 2025 by David

“Dementia includes a variety of neurodegenerative diseases that affect and target the brain’s fundamental cognitive functions. It is undoubtedly one of the diseases that affects people globally. The ameliorating the disease is still not known; the symptoms, however, can be prevented to an extent. Dementia encompasses Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Lewy body dementia, mixed dementia, and various other diseases.

The aggregation of β-amyloid protein plaques and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles have been concluded as the foremost cause for the onset of the disease. As the cases climb, new neuroprotective methods are being developed in the form of new drug delivery systems that provide targeted delivery.

Herbal drugs like Ashwagandha, Brahmi, and Cannabis have shown satisfactory results by not only treating the symptoms but have also been shown to reduce and ameliorate the formation of amyloid plaque formation.

This article explores the intricate possibilities of drug delivery and the absolute use of herbal drugs to target neurodegenerative diseases. The various possibilities of nanotechnology currently available with new emerging techniques are also discussed.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40268841/

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13346-025-01863-3

Cannabidiol and cognitive functions/inflammatory markers in Parkinson’s disease: A double-blind randomized controlled trial at Buriram Hospital (CBD-PD-BRH trial)

Posted on April 24, 2025 by David

“Introduction: Cannabidiol (CBD) may alleviate Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptoms, but its cognitive and anti-inflammatory effects remain unclear due to limited randomized trials. This study evaluates CBD’s efficacy in PD patients.

Methods: Sixty PD patients were randomized into CBD (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) groups. The CBD group received a sublingual CBD-enriched product (101.9 mg/ml CBD, 4.8 mg/ml tetrahydrocannabinol [THC]). The primary outcome was improvement in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) delayed recall scores. Secondary outcome measures included other MoCA components, the total MoCA score, motor examination, anxiety/depression, inflammatory markers, renal/liver function, and adverse events. CBD and THC levels were measured at 12 weeks.

Results: Nine patients were lost to follow-up, leaving 51 participants (CBD: 27; placebo: 24) for analysis. The mean CBD dose was 26 mg/day, and THC was 1.2 mg/day. CBD was detected in 17 patients (mean: 2 ng/ml), with no THC found. Delayed recall scores showed no group differences. The CBD group improved naming scores (mean difference: 0.37, 95 % CI: 0.01 to 0.73). Language scores increased in the placebo group but remained unchanged in the CBD group. Inflammatory markers and other outcomes showed no differences, except for elevated alkaline phosphatase in the CBD group, with no serious side effects in either group.

Conclusions: In this 12-week trial, 26 mg/day of sublingual CBD was safe, with no adverse effects on motor, cognitive, or affective symptoms in PD patients, and improved MoCA naming scores. Future studies should investigate higher doses and use targeted naming tests.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40267585/

https://www.prd-journal.com/article/S1353-8020(25)00582-6/abstract

The Neuroprotective Effects of Cannabis-Derived Phytocannabinoids and Resveratrol in Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Literature Review of Pre-Clinical Studies

Posted on April 3, 2025 by David

“Currently, there are no pharmacological treatments able to reverse nigral degeneration in Parkinson’s disease (PD), hence the unmet need for the provision of neuroprotective agents.

Cannabis-derived phytocannabinoids (CDCs) and resveratrol (RSV) may be useful neuroprotective agents for PD due to their anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.

To evaluate this, we undertook a systematic review of the scientific literature to assess the neuroprotective effects of CDCs and RSV treatments in pre-clinical in vivo animal models of PD. The literature databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science core collection were systematically searched to cover relevant studies. A total of 1034 publications were analyzed, of which 18 met the eligibility criteria for this review.

Collectively, the majority of PD rodent studies demonstrated that treatment with CDCs or RSV produced a significant improvement in motor function and mitigated the loss of dopaminergic neurons. Biochemical analysis of rodent brain tissue suggested that neuroprotection was mediated by anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms.

This review highlights the neuroprotective potential of CDCs and RSV for in vivo models of PD and therefore suggests their potential translation to human clinical trials to either ameliorate PD progression and/or be implemented as a prophylactic means to reduce the risk of development of PD.”

“To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review that has directly considered the effects of both selective CDCs and RSV in the neuroprotective treatment of PD. Collectively, in vivo rodent studies have demonstrated that these natural compounds are efficacious in their neuroprotection of PD and produced symptomatic benefits.”

https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/11/12/1573

Preventive Beneficial Effects of Cannabidiol in a Reserpine-Induced Progressive Model of Parkinsonism

Posted on April 3, 2025 by David

“Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms such as tremors, difficulty in initiating movements, depression, and cognitive deficits. The pathophysiology of PD involves a gradual decrease in dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, increased inflammatory parameters, and augmented oxidative stress in this region.

Several new therapies aim to promote antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, including the use of cannabinoids, particularly cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is a non-psychotomimetic component of Cannabis sativa that acts broadly through several mechanisms.

The objective of this study was to investigate the potential protective effect of CBD in mice subjected to a low-dose (0.1 mg/kg) repeated reserpine protocol, which encompasses behavioral and neuronal alterations compatible with the progressiveness of PD alterations.

We used two approaches: (1) concurrent administration during the development of parkinsonism and (2) preadministration to explore possible preventive action. The effect of CBD (0.5 mg/kg) on reserpineinduced alterations was investigated on behavioral (catalepsy and vacuous chewing movements) and neuronal (immunolabeling for tyrosine hydroxylase -TH) parameters.

Overall, groups that were treated with CBD and reserpine presented motor alterations later during the protocol compared to the groups that received only reserpine (except for vacuous chewing evaluation in the concomitant treatment). Additionally, CBD attenuated reserpine-induced catalepsy (preventive treatment) and prevented the decrease in TH labeling in the substantia nigra pars compacta in both concurrent and preventive protocols.

Based on these data, we observed a beneficial effect of CBD in motor and neuronal alterations reserpine-induced progressive parkinsonism, particularly after preventive treatment.”

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1539783/abstract

Low doses of cannabis extract ameliorate non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease patients: a case series

Posted on March 11, 2025 by David

“Introduction: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is mainly characterized by motor symptoms including muscle rigidity, resting tremor and bradykinesia. However, the management of the non-motor symptoms represent a relevant clinical challenger in PD. These non-motor symptoms include cognitive and sleep disturbance and there is evidence that cannabinoids may represent alternative and effective treatments for non-motor symptoms of PD.

Methods: Therefore, this study addressed the effects of oral treatment with cannabis extract on cognition, insomnia, and daytime sleepiness in six patients with moderate PD. The patients were randomized to receive two different doses of a cannabis extract: THC:CBD 250:28 μg/day (n = 3) or 1000:112 μg/day (n = 3). The assessment of cannabis administration related to the cognitive field was measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment test (MoCA test), the insomnia was assessed by the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and daytime sleepiness was assessed using the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS). All clinical evaluations were performed before treatment and at 15, 30, 60, and 90 days of treatment.

Results: The statistical analysis indicated a significant benefit of the cannabis extract treatment, at dose of 1000:112 μg/day after 60 days of treatment, on insomnia assessed by ISI. Moreover, the statistical analysis of data from ISI and MoCA tests showed a trend toward improvement over time, while no significant effect was observed in the ESS. There were no reports of significant adverse effects during the cannabis extract treatment.

Discussion: These results demonstrate benefits of short-time treatment (60 days) with low doses of cannabis extract on insomnia in PD patients. This study provide novel findings of the potential of combining CBD and THC as safe and effective treatments for non-motor symptoms of PD.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40066073/

“In conclusion, these results demonstrate a possible benefit of short-time treatment (3 months) with low doses of cannabis extract on cognition and insomnia in PD patients. This study provide novel findings of the potential of combining CBD and THC as safe and effective treatments for non-motor symptoms of PD.”

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/human-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2024.1466438/full

Beta-caryophyllene inhibits the permeability of the blood-brain barrier in MPTP-induced parkinsonism

Posted on March 11, 2025 by David

“Introduction: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder worldwide. Although the precise pathogenesis of PD remains unclear, several studies demonstrate that oxidative stress, inflammation, low levels of antioxidants, and the presence of biomolecules that generate reactive oxygen species can disrupt the blood-brain barrier (BBB) as an essential feature of the disease.

Aims: This study aimed to test whether agonism to cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) through the administration of β-caryophyllene (BCP) could correct BBB permeability in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) parkinsonism induction model.

Methods: We conducted a molecular assessment of proteins (immunochemistry and western blot), BBB permeability, and related biomarkers of PD (lipid peroxidation) in the MPTP mouse model of the disease.

Results: Expression of zonula occludens (ZO-1) and occludin tight junction (TJ) proteins was dampened in the striatum and substantia nigra pars compacta of mice, while lipid peroxidation and BBB permeability increased in the striatum in the MPTP-treated group, and these effects were reversed under BCP administration. This phytocannabinoid was able to restore protein expression and immunoreactivity of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), as well as nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor (NRF2) translocation to the nucleus, and NADPH quinone oxidase 1 (NQO1) expression in mice treated with MPTP.

Conclusion: These results highlight the role of CB2 as a therapeutic target for PD, suggesting that its activation may ameliorate PD-related BBB disruption and oxidative stress, reducing the selective death of dopaminergic neurons.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40054982/

“Beta-caryophyllene is a dietary cannabinoid.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18574142

“β-caryophyllene (BCP) is a common constitute of the essential oils of numerous spice, food plants and major component in Cannabis.” http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23138934

www.thctotalhealthcare.com

Category Archives: Parkinson’s Disease